BMW 535i
23 MPG The 2016 BMW 535i is EPA-rated at 23 MPG combined (20 city / 30 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 652 gallons, $2087 a year in fuel, or $0.139 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1989–2016 run it averages 20 MPG, improving by 7.3 MPG over 14 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.109 | $1087 | $1630 | $2174 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.130 | $1304 | $1957 | $2609 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.139 | $1391 | $2087 | $2783 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.152 | $1522 | $2283 | $3043 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.174 | $1739 | $2609 | $3478 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.196 | $1957 | $2935 | $3913 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.217 | $2174 | $3261 | $4348 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 23 MPG | 20 | 30 | $3350 | 378 | 1 |
| 2015 | 24 MPG | 20 | 30 | $3200 | 376 | 1 |
| 2014 | 23 MPG | 20 | 29.5 | $3350 | 380 | 2 |
| 2013 | 23.5 MPG | 20 | 29.5 | $3275 | 381 | 2 |
| 2012 | 23 MPG | 20 | 29.5 | $3350 | 386 | 2 |
| 2011 | 23 MPG | 19.5 | 29 | $3350 | 387 | 2 |
| 2010 | 20 MPG | 17 | 26 | $3850 | 444 | 2 |
| 2009 | 20 MPG | 17 | 26 | $3850 | 444 | 2 |
| 2008 | 20 MPG | 17 | 26 | $3850 | 444 | 2 |
| 1993 | 16.5 MPG | 14.5 | 21 | $3775 | 539 | 2 |
| 1992 | 16.5 MPG | 14.5 | 21 | $3775 | 539 | 2 |
| 1991 | 16 MPG | 14.5 | 20.5 | $3900 | 555 | 2 |
| 1990 | 16 MPG | 14 | 20.5 | $3900 | 555 | 2 |
| 1989 | 15.7 MPG | 14 | 19.7 | $3983 | 568 | 3 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 261 midsize cars models tracked here, the BMW 535i ranks 124 on current figures, against a class average of 27.2 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Hyundai Elantra N (23.5), BMW 840i Gran Coupe (24), BMW 840i xDrive Gran Coupe (24), Buick LaCrosse (24), Cadillac CT5 (24).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 378 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 5.7 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the BMW 535i get?
The 2016 BMW 535i is rated at 23 MPG combined by the EPA — 20 city and 30 highway. Across all 14 model years in the database it averages 20 MPG, ranging from 15 to 24 depending on year and trim.
How much does a BMW 535i cost in fuel per year?
At 23 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 652 gallons — roughly $2087 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.139 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2016 model is $3350.
Has the BMW 535i become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 15.7 MPG in 1989 to 23 in 2016 — an improvement of 7.3 MPG, or 46% across 14 model years.
Is the BMW 535i efficient for its class?
It ranks 124 of 261 in the Midsize Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 27.2 MPG. That is 4.2 worse than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.